WALPOLE [quickly] No: it was to me.
B. B. Certainly not. Your name was never mentioned between us. He is so wrapped up in his work that he has to leave her a good deal alone; and the poor innocent young fellow—he has of course no idea of my position or how busy I am—actually wanted me to call occasionally and talk to her.
WALPOLE. Exactly what he said to me!
B. B. Pooh! Pooh pooh! Really, I must say. [Much disturbed, he rises and goes up to the balustrade, contemplating the landscape vexedly].
WALPOLE. Look here, Ridgeon! this is beginning to look serious.
Blenkinsop, very anxious and wretched, but trying to look unconcerned, comes back.
RIDGEON. Well, did you catch him?
BLENKINSOP. No. Excuse my running away like that. [He sits down at the foot of the table, next Bloomfeld Bonington’s chair].
WALPOLE. Anything the matter?
BLENKINSOP. Oh no. A trifle—something ridiculous. It cant be helped. Never mind.